Medications and other substances that can cause symptoms of depression

Many medications and other substances can cause changes in how we feel. Medications that can cause symptoms of depression include:

• Antihypertensives, such as clonidine (Catapres).
• Barbiturates, such as phenobarbital, pentobarbital (Nembutal), and secobarbital (Seconal).
• Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), or lorazepam (Ativan).
• Calcium channel blockers, such as verapamil (Calan).
• Corticosteroids, such as prednisone.
• Hormonal medications, such as birth control pills (oral contraceptives) and hormone therapy used to treat the symptoms of menopause.
• Medications used to treat Parkinson's disease or other neurological disorders, such as restless legs syndrome.
• Medications used to treat seizures, such as phenytoin (Dilantin).
• Pain medications, such as meperidine (Demerol) or codeine.

Symptoms of depression can also be caused by the use of or withdrawal from alcohol and illegal drugs, such as cocaine, amphetamines (methamphetamines, crystal meth, or crack), heroin, and cannabis (marijuana).

If you think that your feelings of depression may be caused by a medication:

• Call the health professional who prescribed the medication, to determine whether you should stop taking it or take a different one.
• If you are taking a nonprescription medication, stop taking it. Call your health professional if you feel you need to continue taking the medication.